Joseph L. Simmons

Joseph L. Simmons was born October 12, 1933 in Hayward, MO to Alfred A. Simmons and Nevel "Polly" Viola DeTie. He died Friday, January 9, 2015 at Cape Girardeau, MO at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 28 days.

He was united in marriage to Donna Nolen on March 28, 1956 in Hayward. She survives of the home. Preceding him in death were his parents, Alfred and Nevel, his step-mother, Mae Simmons, one brother, Alfred "Cotton" Simmons, Jr., and one sister, Lillian Powell.

He was owner/operator of Simmons Cleaning Service and was a self-employed carpenter for many years. He served on the Portageville Fire Department from 1970-2005. He was an Army Veteran of Korean Conflict.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Donna Simmons of Portageville; three sons, Terry D. (Sandy) Simmons and Ronnie A. (Kim) Simmons, both of Portageville, and Michael R. (Brenda) Simmons of Sikeston; one daughter, Carla A. Cummings of Portageville; two brothers, Ardin (Peggy) Simmons of Portageville and Gary (Carrie) Simmons of Poplar Bluff; one sister, Sharon (Rayburn) Summerton of Vicksburg, MS; five grandchildren, Justin Simmons, Joseph Simmons, Carl "C.J." Cummings, Chris Cummings and Tara Simmons; two great-grandchildren, Rylen Cummings and Jaxon Simmons; and a host of many other relatives and friends.

Services were conducted Monday, January 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Portageville with Rev. John Compere and Rev. Eugene Poole officiating. Burial followed in the Portageville Cemetery. Members of the Portageville Fire Department served as active pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Merlvin Shoults, Gary Baker, Melvin Johnston, Leslie Estes, Mark Gibbins, Harry Faye Toton, Ronnie Adams, Harold Dial, Don Rone, Floyd Simmons and Jeff Brands.